After years of limited operations, rolling refurbishments, and pandemic-era cutbacks, Walt Disney World just pulled off something it hasn’t done in more than six years—and barely anyone noticed.
No fanfare. No breaking news on social media. Just a quiet calendar update and a wave of surprise from those paying close attention.
Today, May 21, marks the first time since 2019 that all six Walt Disney World parks—including both water parks—are fully open to the public at the same time.
Is this just a summer schedule shift… or is it the start of something bigger?
Both Disney World Water Parks, Including Blizzard Beach, Are Finally Open Together
Disney’s Blizzard Beach has officially reopened today following a brief May refurbishment, joining Typhoon Lagoon, which resumed operation on May 1. That simple move marks a major return to form.
Since 2020, Disney has alternated between opening one water park at a time. If Typhoon Lagoon was open, Blizzard Beach was closed—and vice versa. It was a cost-saving, resource-focused response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effects on staffing and attendance.
Now, in 2025, the two parks are operating side by side once again, just as they did in the years leading up to the global shutdown.
What This Means for Guests and Resort Stays
This is particularly great news for Walt Disney World Resort guests. One of the lesser-known perks of staying on property is complimentary water park admission on check-in day, but for the last several years, guests had no say in which park they could visit—it was simply whichever one happened to be open.
Now, with both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon running at the same time, visitors have options. Whether you want to explore the frosty, snow-covered slopes of Blizzard Beach or relax amid the tropical chaos of Typhoon Lagoon, the choice is finally yours again.
This also helps spread out the summer crowds, reduces long wait times, and gives guests more freedom to shape their day—especially important as attendance continues to climb heading into the busy summer season.
A Symbolic Shift: Is Normal Finally Back?
This full-scale reopening marks more than just an operational update. It’s symbolic—a quiet but powerful sign that the resort is finally leaving behind the last major vestige of its pandemic-era limitations.
Since 2020, Walt Disney World has been gradually rolling out new experiences and attractions—from TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom to Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT. But behind the scenes, certain offerings—like water parks—remained on a staggered schedule.
Now, with both water parks open simultaneously, Disney is signaling a bold return to pre-pandemic operations, suggesting that staffing, demand, and resort logistics have stabilized enough to support full functionality.
Will Dual Water Park Operation Last?
The big question remains: Is this permanent or temporary?
Historically, both water parks would remain open during peak seasons and take turns closing for short winter refurbishments. But since 2020, Disney shifted to a rotation model, keeping one open at a time year-round.
This summer reopening could be a test—one that gauges whether maintaining both parks is worth the cost in today’s market. If guest feedback and attendance numbers are strong, we could see this become the new (old) normal again.
If so, it would represent a huge win for families, Annual Passholders, and parkgoers looking for more value and variety.
The Bigger Picture: A Hint at What’s Coming
The decision to reopen both parks simultaneously also comes at a strategic moment. With Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe set to open in 2025 and shake up the Central Florida theme park landscape, Disney may be using this summer to reassert its dominance. By returning to full operations across all six parks, Disney is sending a subtle message: the magic is not only back—it’s fully operational and ready for competition.
It’s not just about cooling off in a lazy river anymore. It’s about reclaiming momentum, resetting expectations, and reminding guests that Walt Disney World is still the ultimate destination for immersive vacation experiences. While there may not have been a press conference or major announcement, this return to full water park operations is a milestone worth celebrating. After all, it’s not just about slides and wave pools—it’s about possibility.
Possibility that the magic guests remember is finally back in full. Possibility that Walt Disney World is preparing for its next era with confidence. And possibility that we’re about to see Disney push the boundaries of what’s next. So the next time you float down Cross Country Creek or brave the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, know this: you’re not just enjoying a water park—you’re witnessing Disney’s quiet comeback in real time.
